The Sanofi Group in Canada Steps Up for Employee Health

Employees lace up their running shoes to boost their daily physical activity levels and compete in the Global Corporate Challenge

LAVAL, QC, May 27, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Sanofi group in Canada is excited to announce that it will enter 57 teams of seven employees from its Sanofi Canada and Merial Canada divisions into the 100-day Global Corporate Challenge (GCC), which opens today.  The global challenge engages a 300,000-strong legion of workers worldwide from different industries to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) active lifestyle recommendation of walking 10,000 steps per day.

"Today's work environment usually means spending much more time seated at a desk.  Sitting is now referred to as the new smoking.  We now know that inactivity is linked to a host of chronic illnesses, so we want to offer employees an opportunity to shake up their sedentary work habits and adopt healthier routines.  It's more than fitness, we believe greater physical activity levels are an important step towards happier, more productive employees," says Jon Fairest, President and CEO, Sanofi Canada.

The GCC is part of a broader wellness offering designed to keep Sanofi employees at the top of their game. Bike facilities, newly installed treadmill desks, onsite yoga classes, fresh fruit offered daily, healthy menu and snack options, and a flexible work schedule are some of the ways that Sanofi Canada helps employees feel their best.

Over the 100-day GCC program, Sanofi employees will support each other to boost their daily levels of physical activity and exercise to meet the 10,000 steps per day Challenge. Employees' daily steps will also take them around the world on a virtual travel adventure designed to keep spirits and commitment high. The program also addresses nutrition understanding and sleep habits, which complement the fitness initiative.

"We're proud to be stepping up for the health and happiness of our employees, and look forward to hitting the pavement together," declares Fairest.

For more information on the GCC, please visit www.gettheworldmoving.com.

About Sanofi – www.sanofi.ca
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi entities in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (cosmeceuticals, over-the-counter products and specialty care), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ close to 1,700 people. In 2014 Sanofi companies invested $130.5 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

Follow Sanofi Canada on Twitter @SanofiCanada and on YouTube youtube.com/user/sanoficanada

SOURCE Sanofi Canada

images and Broll footage: Catherine R. Cunningham, Sanofi Canada, TEL.: [phone], [email protected]